speedy_steve

I was out in the vette ('08 with <2300 miles) on Friday and the car began acting sluggish and idling erratically. It almost stalled several times and I had to keep revving the engine to keep it above 400 rpm. Underway, the car responded very weakly to throttle input almost as though I was giving it no gas at all. It was running fine on Tuesday before I washed it and exhibited a hesitation or two on Wednesday but nothing like it did on Friday ( I did not drive it Thursday). The only thing I can figure is that either I a) filled up with some bad gas (previous Sunday when about half full) or b) I somehow got water in the tank when washing it that just made it's way to the engine on Friday. Anyone have any input on this? Does my diagnosis sound correct? If so, what should I do - just burn this tank off and refill?

Thanks for your help!

Steve

dvilin

I would think bad gas would has caused you a problem sooner and I doubt you got water in the system by just washing the car, I assume you did not attempt to wash down the engine bay. You can always call ONSTAR and have them run an engine diagnostic for you. If it were me, I would take it in and let the dealer sort it out. They have the equipment to properly pinpoint the problem and fix it. Of course depending on your dealer that is quite an assumption also, sorry I could not be of more help, good luck.

danl72

It could be bad gas. I have seen this happen to someone else before and when they went and got more gas the problem was solved.

speedy_steve

Thanks for your responses. The one thing I forgot to mention is that no CEL has appeared. If I was registering an actual error code wouldn't the CEL come on?

Steve

Jacksonbart

Beano

NIGHTSTALKER

Sounds like a vacumme leak

speedy_steve

Update:

My car is now in the shop for the second day and still won't be ready until tomorrow. This is killing me! The issue was indeed bad gas and of course is not covered under warranty. The dealer drained all the gas and is now looking to see if I need a new catalytic converter as a result of running less than 175miles since the fill with the bad gas. I'm happy that this was nothing serious but what a PITA!! No more visits to Exxon for me...

Steve

danl72

Wow, Exxon has bad gas I guess I am glad I use Chevron.

ATC399

Exxon. I have never had a problem with their gas (except price) I'm just across the border in DE...thanks for the update

RnLi

Like most problems, people associate them with the largest most visible name, instead of the real party at fault.....the gas station in this instance.

I would save all bills related to this repair and attempt to have the dealers service people describe the gas as the culprit. Then return to the station and ask their management what they intend to do about it.
If you get no response, sue in small claims court, if your state has that capability. It usually costs a trivial amount to file...something like $15-20.

I've done this several times with stupid irresponsible people (a GM Dealer included......I can't help it. I'm a "jerk" at times and believe in the US America system). Most of the time it's settled before court.

noel48

I use Exxon in all my cars with never a problem.

speedy_steve

This is a great point - it's not Exxon proper, just the station where I filled up. I have used this station hundreds of time in the past with no issues but I won't risk my $60k car by going back.

I will approach the manager and see what he'll do but my guess is that I'll get laughed out of the place. I doubt I will follow up with legal action... just not my style.

Steve

obxchartercaptain

If indeed the problem is bad gas, I would return to the dealer and demand they pay for your repairs. If they say no, like another poster said, I would take em to small claims court. Also, I think it is important to stay with a local dealer where you can count on a good supply of PREMIUM fuel. With high prices some guys, I know, are tempted to look for the lowest price. And, that I believe invites problems. When traveling, I would use truck stops. They pump lots of fuel BOTH diesel and gas. Good luck...

TCKT B8

Its not usually the gas that's bad, it's generally water in the station's tanks from condensation - not a gasoline brand problem, but a station or tanker problem.

AORoads

First, it's taking a second day!!!! Why? Is this at Sport Chev? Either they weren't working on it or something else.

Second and last, every gas station has a small fund for such occurrences where cars are/suffer minor damage from bad gas. They drain water regularly but it still seeps into the underground storage tanks.

Some station owners don't like to part with their money (even at $4/gallon????), but many will when you clearly tell them what happened, when, etc. Keep that receipt FOR GAS especially. All the other stuff they may not require if it's reasonable, even up to and including cost of a tow.

speedy_steve

Thanks, AORoads.

Yes, my car is at Sport. I took it in yesterday afternoon and at 4:30 (after about 1.5 hours of working with it) they decided it was bad gas and wanted to drain the tank. I agreed but they said they couldn't do anything until the engine cooled. Apparently the misfires were causing things to run hotter than normal. I called back today at 3:30 and they told me definitely bad gas but needed to wait until things cooled back down in case I needed a new catalytic converter (they will cover this under warranty). I have faith in the boys at Sport and I'm sure they're just looking out for me. This is my 3rd high-end vehicle I've bought from them and have no worry that they're doing what needs to be done. It just sucks that I haven't been able to enjoy my car since last Friday.

Steve

Bobz08C6

Go back and get a sample of gas. There is a simple alcohol test to separate water/gasoline. Google the procedure. Boaters use this procedure a lot.

speedy_steve

Good idea but I filled up 1.5 weeks ago... do you think the issue is still there?

Steve

AORoads

Steve, you're right. Sport's got supposedly one of the best Corv. techs in the area. I'd trust them, too. I was just surprised they didn't have it in and out in a day. Then again, if they're going to cover the cat, that's not only a good thing, but I bet they had to give that one a thought or two.

Man, one bad tank of gas and it causes all this! Tell us how it feels when you get it back and what else, if anything they did. Luck be with you.

speedy_steve

Will do, AO. Hope to post an update tomorrow afternoon.

Steve